‘Jurassic World’ Review: Dino-mite Effects Take Sequel To New Heights

Hard to believe that it has been 14 years since I had a Jurassic fix, so I say THANK GOD for Jurassic World. As I say in my video review above, watching genetically created dinos chomping on human flesh is one of my guiltiest movie pleasures — and has been since Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic of the CGI summer blockbuster genre Jurassic Park came on the scene.

The new and long-delayed entry into the series suffers from the usual sequelitis in that it can’t possibly re-create the sense of awestruck wonder (as seen in Laura Dern’s eyes in the original) that we felt 22 years ago, but it does succeed in taking the story to new levels. In fact, the script (by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Derek Connolly and director Colin Treverrow) conveniently leaves out any reference to the two previous sequels Lost World and Jurassic Park III. Instead, it points directly back to the first one (and Michael Chricton’s bestseller) and the immortal concept of John Hammond (no relation, I think) who had a dream destroyed when the dinos went wild.

Now back at the same jungle just off Costa Rica, a theme park/resort Jurassic World has been operating successfully for a decade but in order to perk up business the greedy corporate types behind it are demanding bigger, better, scarier. (That’s a sly wink at what corporate types at Universal must have said in greenlighting this fourth edition.) So enter gigantic T. rex Indominus Rex, the holy grail of theme park attractions guaranteed to keep turnstiles turning. Only problem is that before he can be launched, he escapes into the 4-mile wide jungle surrounding the park and all hell starts to break loose.

As the film points out these dinos can be genetically engineered, but when you start playing with those genetics and bringing up DNA out of your control, watch out. Of course there are many humans involved in various aspects of this. Chris Pratt does nicely as a guy who can talk to dinosaurs, an ex-military animal behaviorist who has struck up a relationship with four lovable velociraptors who will play a key role eventually. Bryce Dallas Howard is the no-nonsense corporate mouthpiece running the park (and one time “date” of Pratt’s) whose work ethic is interrupted when her two nephews Zach (Nick Robinson) and Gray (Ty Simpkins) come for a visit. She gives them an all-access pass and you KNOW that is going to spell trouble. B.D. Wong, returns from the first film to play a slightly mad scientist consumed with creating the dangerous new breed. Vincent D’Onofrio is the villain here, obsessed with taking things way to far just to make some bucks. Irrfan Khan is the billionaire owner who sets it all in motion with his dictum for “bigger and better.”

So is the movie all that? The effects of course are tremendous and I had a great time. It doesn’t break new ground in this genre but it’s just plain popcorn-chomping fun. And like last year’s reboot of Godzilla, this one smartly makes the main attraction monster vs. monster — or in this case, dino vs. dino — action. Although Treverrow is the director this time out, you can see the handprints of executive producer Spielberg all over this thing. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley produced this effective Amblin Entertainment production done in association this time with Legendary Pictures (Thomas Tull is also an Executive Producer on it). Universal unleashes the action around the world starting Friday.

Do you plan to see Jurassic World? Of COURSE you do. Let us know what you think.

16 Comments

DMB • on Jun 10, 2015 1:09 pm

Looks like a Redbox rental with that cast (and plot).

Bobby Hudson • on Jun 10, 2015 1:15 pm

I’m disappointed that Sam Meal,Neil Goldblum aren’t returning and from what we’re being told by Spielberg is this a basically a reboot of the franchise. It would’ve been a “hoot” to have both or either one reprising their roles to give their sense of terror to the film. Even so, I hope the film does convey a sense of terror that the films are famous for. The weekend release will tell just how the film does.

Dan • on Jun 10, 2015 1:39 pm

Looks wooden and lifeless

RM • on Jun 10, 2015 1:54 pm

The last thing I will be doing this weekend is seeing this movie. Looks and sounds atrocious.

Louis Stanton • on Jun 10, 2015 2:35 pm

The Lost World was the worse.

welles • on Jun 10, 2015 3:03 pm

Why do you specifically call the the effects as good when they are inferior to a film put out over 20 years ago? World uses none of the seamless blending between full-scale animatronics and cutting edge CGI that was worked so masterfully by Spielberg. World is yet another example of a production team taking the easy way out and punting it to post.

MexyMartini • on Jun 10, 2015 3:05 pm

Does it really ignore the two sequels? I realize that there is talk about a new “Alien” sequel taking a similar approach.

This review is WAY too HR.

herro • on Jun 10, 2015 3:09 pm

I saw better VFX from James Cameron back in 97. This looks absolutely terrible.

Tammi • on Jun 10, 2015 3:16 pm

It was fantastic!

John • on Jun 10, 2015 3:25 pm

This film will be a tremendous success, with all the new technology to lift the realism to the higher level. Chris Pratt is fine choice, he has star power now and enjoyable to watch and happy to see Spielberg still has a finger on the pulse, we know he doesn’t produce bombs. Looking forward to a monster hit. All the best!

Simon • on Jun 10, 2015 3:25 pm

This is basically just a two hour commercial disguised as the fourth Jurassic Park movie. Embarrassing product placement every ten minutes. Starbucks, Pandora, Coca-Cola, Apple, Samsung, Beats by Dre, Mercedes Benz, and Baked by Melissa are just the products I can remember seeing off the top of my head.

One scene was literally shot like a car commercial. Smh

Tripjack • on Jun 10, 2015 4:13 pm

Definitely a rental

John Hammond • on Jun 10, 2015 7:43 pm

They are destroying my dream and ruining my sterling reputation! I am furious at Mr. Spielberg he promised me this time my park would be shown in a positive light! Instead he shows all the bad things that could happen instead of all the good things! I am going to sue Mr. Spielberg for $100 Billion Dollars! He has damaged my name and my company for at least that much money!

• on Jun 11, 2015 10:15 am

It’s not your company any more, John.

jass • on Jun 13, 2015 1:52 pm

Throughout the movie you are gripping your seat in the anticipation of what would happen next.

• on Jun 15, 2015 6:25 am

Could not ask for more, love the homage to the 1st movie, it was like they ask me (a hugh JP fan) what would you like in this movie and they did it!!! Can’t wait to see it again later this week!!